Man Utd, Tottenham told to copy Liverpool trick and capture ‘new Alisson’, but Emi Martinez warning issued

A former goalkeeper has explained why Manchester United and Tottenham need their own Alisson Becker like Liverpool, although Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez is not the right choice.

Man Utd and Tottenham could both make big keeper signings in 2023. Erik ten Hag’s current number one is David de Gea. But the manager would rather have a keeper who is better with his feet, putting De Gea’s future at Old Trafford in doubt.

Spurs, meanwhile, can rely on Hugo Lloris in net. However, he is now 35 years old and entering the twilight years of his career. As such, Antonio Conte could do with landing a top-class successor.

Man Utd are considering a few options to permanently replace De Gea. Diogo Costa would be a great signing, as he is already Portugal’s shot-stopper, despite being only 23. The Red Devils also like the look of Argentina World Cup hero Martinez.

Man Utd have been looking into the signing of Yann Sommer from Borussia Monchengladbach, too. He would provide competition for De Gea, rather than fully replace him. Unfortunately for Ten Hag, he could miss out on Sommer as Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Bayern Munich’s attempts to hijack the deal.

Former England international Paul Robinson has given his opinion on what Man Utd and Spurs need to do to revamp their keeper options. He has warned the Prem duo off Martinez, saying the Villa man isn’t quite at world-class level, while also urging Man Utd and Spurs to bring in their own Alisson.

“I do not think he [Martinez] is at that elite level,” Robinson said during an interview with Football Insider.

“He has done extremely well in his career to get to where he is. To win a World Cup is amazing and he was brilliant in the final.

Emi Martinez ‘not an elite goalkeeper’ – pundit

“Is he in that top bracket of goalkeepers though? Not for me. He is a great character and a great goalkeeper but he is not an elite goalkeeper.

“I think Spurs and Man United need to be signing an elite goalkeeper. They need one of the world’s best. They need a goalkeeper on par with Alisson Becker and Ederson. Let’s have it right, they are the benchmark.

“There is a reason why Arsenal sold him. He played there under many managers as well. It was not as if there was great goalkeepers ahead of him. That tells you a lot. United and Spurs should be looking in a different bracket.”

Martinez is probably a step below Alisson and Ederson right now. But during Argentina’s World Cup campaign he showed he has the mentality to shine on the biggest stage, and when the pressure is really on.

Therefore, the 30-year-old could potentially reach Alisson and Ederson’s level if he was given a big opportunity. So maybe Man Utd or Spurs should take the punt and sign him from Villa.

He would not come cheap, as his Villa contract runs until summer 2027. Plus, Villa will reckon his transfer value will be at its maximum now after the World Cup triumph.

But Man Utd and Spurs will probably have the funds to just about match their demands. And a big transfer would cap off a fantastic year for Martinez.

Meanwhile, Man Utd are reportedly ready to submit an offer as they look to bring in a new right-back this winter.